Member of the Month: UK P&I Club
15 April 2026
3 min read
We spoke to Sophia Grant, the Programme Director for Crew Health, about why crew welfare is important to the UK P&I Club.
International maritime employers and unions are urging governments to significantly increase efforts to ensure safe and secure passage for vessels following reports of mines drifting in the Black Sea.
International maritime employers and unions are urging governments to significantly increase efforts to ensure safe and secure passage for vessels following reports of mines drifting in the Black Sea.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) – the social partners of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) – met on Thursday, 31 March 2022, to evaluate and discuss solutions that will ensure that seafarers, and their vessels, aren’t collateral damage in the continuing conflict in Ukraine.
The IBF designated the Northern Black Sea Region, the Sea of Azov (north of latitude 46°N) and all ports in Ukraine Warlike Operations Areas (WOAs) in early March.
‘The safety and security of seafarers in this evolving crisis, especially seafarers serving in the region is our priority,’ said Captain Belal Ahmed, JNG spokesperson and Chairman of IMEC. ‘Reports that mines have been discovered both inside and outside of the designated WOAs raises serious concerns.’
The NATO Shipping Centre issued the following statement on 30 March 2022:
‘There is a threat of drifting mines in the Northwest, West, and Southwest areas of the Black Sea. Drifting mines have been detected, and national authorities are working to find and neutralize any other mines in the region. Masters should take all precautions to mitigate the mine threat including avoiding floating objects, keep the forward area of the ship clear of crew, and using effective lookouts.’
‘We strongly urge governments to do all in their power to mitigate the threat and secure the safe passage for vessels trading near these conflict areas. It is essential that the world’s seafarers can continue to perform their duties safely and keep global supply chains moving,’ said David Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section.
15 April 2026
3 min read
We spoke to Sophia Grant, the Programme Director for Crew Health, about why crew welfare is important to the UK P&I Club.
13 April 2026
6 min read
Ahead of the publication of ISWAN’s 2025 data from our helpline YachtCrewHelp, we asked experts across the yachting industry to share their thoughts on the trends seen in the previous year.
13 March 2026
6 min read
When geopolitical conflict affects seafarers and their families, the emotional toll can be enormous. From managing stress and anxiety at sea to supporting loved ones waiting at home, this guide walks you through what you can do to protect your mental health and wellbeing during uncertain times.
